Clinical Learning and Simulation Program

The Standardized Patient Program is managed by the CLSP. Standardized patients are trained individuals who portray the personal history, physical symptoms, emotional characteristics and everyday concerns of an actual patient or patient advocate, reflecting the Manitoba population.

All SPs receive case-specific training and guidance for each simulation encounter. SP trainers work with SPs to review case materials, clarify expectations and ensure consistent, realistic portrayals.

This preparation enables SPs to participate confidently in in-person, virtual, high-fidelity and in-situ simulations, delivering authentic patient interactions and, when appropriate, providing feedback that supports learner development and assessment.

Standardized Patients are casual employees of the University of Manitoba. Work opportunities are assigned on an as-needed basis and regular, fixed hours cannot be guaranteed. Hours vary depending on program requirements.

SP assignments are matched according to role-specific criteria. Available shifts are filled on a first-come, first-served basis while ensuring the best fit for the learning objectives.

A standardized patient's primary role is to portray the personal history, physical symptoms, emotional characteristics, and everyday concerns of an actual patient or patient advocate, reflective of the Manitoba population. You may also be invited to participate in other opportunities, including:

Physical examination model

A physical examination model is a Standardized Patient who permits learners to perform physical examinations, clinical demonstrations and/or ultrasound scanning on their body. PEMs do not portray clinical scenarios or medical histories. They support the development of hands-on examination skills in a controlled educational setting.

Sensitive examination teaching associate

Sensitive examination teaching associates are specially trained to use their own bodies as teaching tools to help health-care learners develop competence, confidence and professionalism when performing sensitive physical examinations. SETAs provide instruction, guidance and real-time feedback in a safe and respectful learning environment.

• Gynecological teaching associates (GTAs): Individuals who teach and facilitate pelvic and/or breast examination skills using female anatomy.
• Male urological teaching associates (MUTAs): Individuals who teach and facilitate male genital and rectal examination skills using male anatomy.

Through their unique expertise and feedback, SETAs help learners develop both technical examination skills and patient-centred communication practices essential for quality clinical care.

Invigilator

An invigilator supports the administration of educational and assessment activities by serving as a hall monitor, proctor, timekeeper and session administrator. Invigilators help ensure examinations and simulation activities run smoothly, consistently and in accordance with established guidelines and procedures.

Spare standardized patient

A spare standardized patient (SPare) is an individual who has been trained for a specific simulation scenario and is available as a backup should an unexpected vacancy or scheduling need arise. SPares are paid and help ensure continuity of programming and contribute to the smooth delivery of simulation and assessment activities.

Below are answers to some of the most common questions about becoming a Standardized Patient. If you cannot find the information you are looking for, please contact us directly.

Join the standardized patient team

Help future health-care professionals develop their clinical and communication skills through simulation-based learning.

To apply, please complete the online application form.

Acceptance into the program is not guaranteed and is based on the specific needs of the program.

No acting experience required

A formal education or prior acting experience is not required to become a Standardized Patient.

Flexible, casual work

Standardized Patients are casual employees of the University of Manitoba. Work opportunities are assigned on an as-needed basis and regular, fixed hours cannot be guaranteed. Hours vary depending on program requirements.

Simulation activities across Winnipeg

Most simulation activities take place at the Rady Faculty of Health Sciences’ Bannatyne Campus, adjacent to Health Sciences Centre. Sessions may also be held at other locations across Winnipeg, including the University’s Fort Garry Campus. Participants will receive location details in advance of their assigned sessions.

Opportunities to participate in physical examinations

Standardized Patients and physical examination models may participate in a variety of physical examination and diagnostic training activities. These can include cardiovascular, respiratory, neurological, musculoskeletal and abdominal assessments that give learners opportunities to practise clinical examination skills.

Ultrasound scanning may also be performed on external areas of the body. This may include obstetrical or fetal ultrasound assessments when appropriate and with the participant’s consent.

All examination activities are clearly defined in advance and conducted in a safe, respectful and supervised learning environment.

A diverse range of participants

Standardized Patients come from a wide range of ages, genders and cultural and ethnic backgrounds, reflecting the diversity of the communities served by health-care professionals.

Individuals under 16 may apply to participate with the consent of a parent or legal guardian. Parents or guardians must understand that youth will participate in medical education simulations and that employment opportunities are subject to applicable work restrictions for young workers.

Applicants under 16 must successfully complete the Manitoba Young Worker Readiness Certificate Course before participating in the program.

Paid employment

Standardized patients are casual employees of the University of Manitoba and are subject to UM policies and Manitoba labour law.

Standardized patients are paid an hourly rate based on the core competencies of the role they are portraying and the nature of the activity.

Standardized patients may work a maximum of 40 hours per week in accordance with Manitoba Employment Standards. An overtime rate of 1.5 times the assigned payment level applies to hours worked over eight hours per shift.

Compensation is determined by the sensitivity, complexity and competency requirements of the role. Compensation rates will be communicated by the SP trainer at the time of scheduling.